# alternative

/ɔɫˈtɝnətɪv/ (US) · /ɔːltˈɜːnətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alternative
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a different choice

noun · CEFR B1

one of two or more things that you can choose between.

For teachers: one of several mutually exclusive possibilities or options available for selection.

- If you don't want to go by train, the only alternative is to drive.
- The committee explored several viable alternatives to the proposed budget cuts, though none were as cost-effective as the original plan.

### 2. different or other

adjective · CEFR B1

different from the usual or traditional way of doing something.

For teachers: referring to a choice or possibility that is different from the one first mentioned or the one that is standard.

- We had to find an alternative route because the main road was closed.
- The researcher suggested that alternative explanations for the data should be considered before a final conclusion is reached.

### 3. non-traditional

adjective · CEFR B2

not traditional or mainstream, often used for music, medicine, or lifestyles.

For teachers: denoting a lifestyle, product, or artistic movement that exists outside the cultural mainstream.

- She prefers alternative medicine like acupuncture over taking pills.
- The city's vibrant alternative scene provides a platform for experimental artists who struggle to find space in commercial galleries.

### 4. alternative rock

noun · CEFR B1

a style of rock music that is different from popular, mainstream music.

For teachers: a genre of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s.

- He listens to a lot of alternative from the nineties.
- The festival lineup featured a mix of classic alternative and emerging indie bands from across Europe.

## Examples

- We decided to take the bus as an alternative to driving.
- The menu offers a vegetarian alternative for every meat dish listed.
- The committee explored several technological alternatives before committing to the current software, ensuring that the final choice balanced cost-effectiveness with user accessibility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.